How to Bring God Glory

Imagine, you and I can bring glory to the God of this universe…and benefit from it, too. And if we don’t, God will get His glory anyway. But He’d much rather have us involved.

My friend, Kathy Collard Miller, has written a beautiful book on the blessings of living out God’s glory. Read her guest blog here and leave a comment at the end and you will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of her new book, Pure Hearted.

Glean from Kathy’s words…..

“I was watching my nine-year-old grandson, Raf, create his own version of a computer game and amazed at a third grader’s computer skill (which I didn’t have). I exclaimed, “Raf, you are amazing!”

Raf immediately replied, “No. Only God is amazing.”

Raf had inadvertently given God the glory He deserves. And Raf’s comment reminded me of my own desire to give God glory.

Unfortunately, I think superlative words like awesome and amazing can be overused in general conversation, thus diminishing the power of describing God in ways only He is qualified to claim.

Years ago I heard a sermon encouraging me to not apply God-descriptive words like “awesome” to things below that category. As a result, I’ve been more aware of the importance of those words. I had never thought of it before then but now there’s a little check in my spirit by the Holy Spirit when I succumb to using a word for the mundane that should only describe God’s character.

But that’s only a small—yet significant—way all of us can magnify God. I believe the primary way we can give God glory is to purify more and more our heart’s motives. Out of the Spirit-purified well of our heart’s condition, we will know more freely and wisely how God wants to use us to exalt, lift, and magnify His holy nature. You could say we’ll be pouring the pure water of truth into a muddy pool thus clearing it more and more of wrong desires, motives, and actions. That very process will give God glory.

Sometimes, we are unclear about what brings glory to God and how to bring glory to God. Our goodness, walk of faith, and directing attention to God are three of many ways. But there isn’t any “one size fits all” way to glorify God.There is no: “The Secret Formula for Glorifying God in One Step.” Instead, we must abide moment by moment seeking the Holy Spirit’s leading, thus glorifying Him as our source.

There is also no guarantee God’s work in us will be acknowledged by others. Thankfully, God’s glory is not dependent upon their reaction or beliefs. We cannot force anyone to agree with us nor give credit to God, even if we were to perfectly reflect a perfect God.

Additionally, we cannot diminish God’s glory even when we reflect Him imperfectly because of our mistakes, sins, or problems. Regardless, the angels continue to call God Almighty “holy, holy, holy” before His throne. His perfection has not changed. At the end of time, every knee will bow before Him, acknowledge Him, and give Him glory.

Whether or not we reflect God’s glory perfectly, the stars still reveal His splendor. Common grace offers His blessings to all. The gifts and talents He gives to undeserving people exalt Him even though the gifts may be misused.

Sometimes, I’m brought to tears hearing the beauty of the singing voice or the incredible musical skills of an orchestra. Anyone need only pay attention to the numerous ways God reveals Himself as holy and good—then the reason to give Him glory is seen.

Ultimately, we only need to see the perfect life of God’s redeeming Son Jesus.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.’ (John 17:1-4)

Jesus is God Himself, and on earth, He was an exact representation of God the Father. Although we will never represent God perfectly like Jesus did, He still wants to use us. What a glorious calling. And in God’s generosity, He “shares” His glory by changing us to be more like Him.

Let’s more intentionally glorify God. It is possible.

Kathy is giving away a free copy of her book, Pure Hearted. To be eligible to win a copy, comment below on why you would like the book and include the U.S. state you live in. (Winner will be notified via email by Jan. 22.)

Kathy Collard Miller is an award-winning author of over 50 books that include Christian living topics, women’s Bible studies, and Bible commentaries. She is a speaker who has shared in 8 foreign countries and over 30 US states. Kathy and Larry have been married for 47 years and are the parents of 2 and grandparents of 2. They live in Southern California and often write and speak together. Visit her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com. She would love to hear from you.

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Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning author and national speaker who helps women find strength for the soul. She has nearly 30 years experience ministering to women and inspiring them to let God meet their emotional needs, grow stronger through their alone times, and pursue their dreams with boldness.

Thank you, Tammy, for entering the drawing with your comment and for your desire to learn about glorifying God. I’m learning more too!!!! LOL I love that God invites us on a journey and doesn’t expect us to be perfect. So keep up the good work seeking Him!

Gosh, it is hard to fathom what God has in mind for us that will bring Him glory. Is it being the best mother, or being the best wife? Or being a friend when one is needed. We do not need to do great acts to give God glory. I think it is important to remember that every act, no matter how small, is an opportunity to give glory to God.

Great insights, Theresa. It isn’t so much that we are GREAT at something, as only God is truly great. But it is more how we give the credit and applause to God so others see Him in our lives. Thanks for your comment.

You are absolutely right, Theresa. I think there is a misperception like you’re indicating that giving God glory requires being famous people or those who do great sacrificial acts. But anything done with a desire for God’s glory in obedience to His leading brings Him glory whether or not people acknowledge it as such–just like you’re saying. I loved exploring in my study of God’s glory what it means to live a daily life for God’s glory. And I surprisingly found there are benefits for us as we do that, because God is a generous God. Wow, don’t get me started–I’ll start giving the whole book. LOL. So Theresa, thanks for commenting and entering the drawing.

Hi Stacia, you’ve brought to the discussion one of the primary ways most people see God’s glory. And God in Scripture most often uses His creation as evidence of His glory. So you are right on! Thank you for taking the time to comment and enter the drawing.

I desire to give God glory more than anything else in this world. He deserves the Glory, honor and all praise. I would love to read this book because I think it can get me to that place that I desire in Him. God bless you and thank you!

Thank you, Sheryl, for letting us praise God with you because of the glory, honor and praise He deserves. I’m so glad that it’s guaranteed God receives all that. We may not reflect Him perfectly, but He still uses us. I’m so encouraged by that. I hope you are too.

Oh yes, Cheri, ALL is an important word like you say. We may not even recognize it’s in our attitude even if we don’t say the word. And you can imagine the joy of me hearing my grandson. He truly does love Jesus and is glorifying God even though he’s not fully aware. I was able to show him in one of the edited manuscripts what I’d written about him and he gave me a big hug. It was precious. Well, I better not get started talking about my grandkids!!!! I’ll never stop. Thank you, Chery, for being a part of the drawing!

Hi
I have been seriously following Jesus for about 15 years. I am now retired but handycapped. I would love a copy of this book because that’s all I want to do now is glorify God. But I’m not sure on how to do that. This book would be an awesome blessing. I have to tell you that I used to follow Cindi in 2016. I don’t remember why I stopped. But my last 5 to 6 weeks have been so dry. I had been praying things on the order of “where are you God?”. Yesterdays prayer took me to an old email I had saved from Dec 18th ’16. It was God that lead me to it. It was a devotion titled “Feeling disappointed? While you may feel disappointed, you are never forgotten. Here’s hope….” I read it and it was exactly how I was feeling. And the prayer was very powerful. On the end of it you (Cindi) asked new to send an email letting you know I prayed it. I did. And tonight as I was praying it again, I discovered this blog. I believe God lead me here to. Thanks! Gaylene

Gaylene, what a fabulous story of God’s care, love, and provision for your heart. You blessed me by sharing it. I’m not surprised that Cindi ministered to you. She is such a blessing to us all. Thank you commenting here and we’ll put you into the drawing. I hope my book will encourage your heart.

I want to glorify God in all I do. I want to grow in his word. I’m new to this blog but fine it refreshing as well as encouraging for me. I would love to read your box. Thank you everyone for your comments they have been uplifting. Georgia

Congratulations to Sharon of Texas for winning the drawing for Kathy’s book, Pure Hearted. Thank you to ALL of you for leaving your heartfelt responses. Watch for more free book drawings on my blog in the next couple of weeks.

I am new to this blog and I am thankful I stumbled on to it today. I am trying to dive more into the word of God and I really appreciate the views that are shared in the book looking specifically at the habits of women. The one small piece today as I was reading is the over use of the words awesome and amazing. I too need to examine my use of these words so as to use them only when glorifying God. I have been met with a challenge. Thank you. I look forward to reading more.